Description
This hearty and healthy slow cooker lentil soup is the perfect comfort food for busy days. Full of rich flavors and packed with protein and fiber, it’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. Simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a zesty finish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and set them aside. - Combine in Slow Cooker:
In a slow cooker, add the lentils, diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Cook:
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender. - Finish the Soup:
Once the soup is ready, stir in the spinach (if using) and allow it to wilt for a couple of minutes. Add lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor if desired. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
- You can substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
- Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- To make this a heartier meal, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 10g